RWSN Themes

Leave No One Behind - Equality, Non-Discrimination and Inclusion

This theme was previously called “equity and inclusion” but has been changed to better reflect the Human Right to Water. Equity is the moral imperative to dismantle unjust differences, based on principles of fairness and justice. However, from a human rights perspective, the term equity is malleable and not legally binding and may actually dilute rights claims if considered separately from non-discrimination and equality. Equality and non-discrimination are the “most correct terms for describing the objective of ensuring access to water and sanitation for all according to the needs of each person and for gaining a better understanding of human rights (de Albuquerque 2011).

Equality and non-discrimination are the bedrock principles of human rights law. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states in article 1 that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights,” and in article 2 that “Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind. […].”

RWSN strives to make sure that everyone is reached and everyone has a voice in the process of providing basic water services.